The Chain Florey Predoctoral Fellowship at the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences (LMS) is the first step on a clinician scientist pathway that runs from predoctoral research through a PhD fellowship towards independence. Fellows join LMS discovery science groups while staying close to the clinical environment, with protected time for research, supervision from experienced scientists and mentoring beyond the laboratory. 

The LMS is a particularly good place to do this training because it brings clinicians and fundamental discovery scientists together, with a strong focus on translational research, so the skills fellows learn in the lab are clinically relevant. As Professor Declan O’Regan explains, “the LMS provides world-class research facilities that provide the strongest platform on which to base a competitive research program. Our Group Heads lead diverse research programs across a wide spectrum of discovery science and experimental medicine – located right next to a clinical campus.”  

You don’t need a fully formed plan to start: we are always open for a chat early on, whether you have a project in mind or simply a question. 

Building the pilot data for a PhD fellowship 

Jed Shrewsbury joined the LMS in August 2025 after completing his Foundation Training. His project investigates a novel neuroendocrine pathway involved in reproductive behaviour and metabolism.  

“Since joining the LMS, I have received extensive training and guidance from my supervisors, senior lab members with expertise in wet lab work and animal research, and internal/external mentors. This enabled me to generate sufficient pilot data to apply for an MRC Clinical Research Training Fellowship in April 2026. I was successfully shortlisted and am now preparing for the interview. The Chain Florey committee have supported me throughout and continue to guide me as I chart a course towards becoming an independent clinician scientist in the field of reproductive neuroendocrinology.” 

Developing laboratory skills from the ground up 

Joe McElvaney began his fellowship in August 2026, having moved from Glasgow two years after completing Foundation Year 2. His project is a high-throughput drug repurposing screen for X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy, using the nematode worm C. elegans to test thousands of existing drugs. 

“Although I’ve always had an interest in research, I had no prior wet lab experience, and the Chain Florey scheme has already been fantastic training in core lab skills. I have been working in the lab since my first day and have found all colleagues at the LMS to be extremely welcoming. The strong focus on translational research at the LMS makes the scientific training also clinically relevant. I have already had the chance to attend scientific meetings and feel part of a community of researchers. This is the first step in a years-long project, and the fellowship has allowed me to dedicate 100% of my professional time to developing it.” 

Is the fellowship right for you? 

Each fellow’s route and project differ, but they describe the same things: time to focus on research, guidance from experienced scientists and the support of the Chain Florey Committee. The committee, chaired by Professor Declan O’Regan, oversees the programme and works with fellows throughout, offering guidance and mentorship as they plan their next steps, including applications for external funding.  

If you are a doctor who has completed Foundation Training or is in Internal Medicine Training (IMT 1–3) or equivalent, and you want to explore research or have an idea you would like to test, we would be glad to hear from you. 

About the fellowship 

The Chain Florey Predoctoral Fellowship offers either 12 months of full-time research or 24 months at half-time (50% of your time), giving fellows the opportunity to gain research training and experience in the laboratory and to develop a nationally competitive application for a clinical research training fellowship to do a PhD. It is open to doctors who have completed their Foundation Training or are in IMT 1–3 or equivalent. 

Recruitment for the next cohort is open until 17 November 2026. To apply, submit your CV, publication list and a project overview outlining your suitability and future plans here. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview. 

Find out more: Clinician scientist training at the LMS. For advice or an informal chat, contact Aurelie Tromp, Chain Florey Programme Manager ().